The Fleecing of
BiafraNigeria:
The Case of Kogi State Governor Abubakar Audu -- Part IIby
Nehlah S. Nchami

In recent reports, Governor Audu has acknowledged ownership of a $1.72 million mansion in Potomac Maryland, United
States. In these reports, however, representatives and spokespersons for Audu have stated that "contrary to
media reports that the properties were recently acquired, they were listed in

the assets declaration forms which [Audu] submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau on his assumption of office in
1999."

When I wrote Part I of this piece, the question on my mind was how Audu could afford this mansion on his salary.
Today, the question on my mind is: How could Audu have listed this house as part of his assets in 1999, prior to
assuming office as Governor of Kogi State, if the house was built in 2000, and Audu purchased it from Par Development
on March 15, 2001? Inquiring minds want to know.

The following information from the Land Records office and the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
for Montgomery County where the property is located, should shed some light on the situation. Below is a table
summarizing the details:

Maryland Department
of Assessments and Taxation
Montgomery County
Real Property Data for Gov. Abubakar Audu of Kogi State

Account Identifier:

District - 06

Account Number - 02971417

Sale Date:

03/15/2001

Sale Type:

Improved Arms-Length

Sale Number:

203335

Improved (Inland)

From:

Par Development, LC

To:

Audu, Abubakar

Consideration:

$1,719,954

Location:

12301 Glen Rd

Liber/Folio 1:

/18893/ 302

Zoning:

RE2

Use:

R (Residential)

Subdivision:

1(Darnestown Outside)

Town:

000 (Rural)

Status:

0

BPRUC:

Class:

000 Taxable

Land Area:

3.660 AC

Map:

ER51

Lot:

33

Block:

A

Grade:

Mansion

Year Built:

2000

Stories:

2

Basement:

Yes

Type:

Standard Unit

Exterior:

Brick

Enclosed Area:

6,900 SF

According to the Maryland Department of Assessment
and Taxation Real Property Data, Audu indeed purchased the house from Par Development on March 15, 2001. The Department's
information also indicates that Audu's house was actually built in 2000, and is classified as

This information is also available to the public online at a website that is state-owned and operated. Unlike the
MRIS source quoted by some Nigerian newspapers, this state-owned source is available to the public and is more
authoritative. Anyone can visit the site; there is no subsription requirement for gaining access to this information.

Based on available information, the following facts and chronology speak for themselves:

Fact: Audu was elected to office in May 1999

Fact: The house that Audu purchased was built
in 2000

Fact: Audu purchased the house on March 15, 2001

Fact: Audu paid $1,719,954 for the house

Fact: Audu admits to owning the house

Governor Auduís Special Adviser on International Projects and General Duties, Dan Okolo, has stated
that the "ethics of journalism" must be upheld. In the interest of the public, perhaps Okolo will make
the same speech to Audu regarding the ethics of governance. Talk is cheap, but real estate is not. Thus, my final
assessment of this situation is that this is an open and shut case of The Fleecing of BiafraNigeria.